Billiri ECWA Theological College Graduates 36th Set
Gombe State Deputy Governor Manassah Daniel Jatau, has charged graduands of ECWA Theological College, Kufai, Billiri, to be good ambassadors of Christ and of the College wherever they find themselves.
The Deputy Governor, who was Special Guest at the 36th Joint Graduation Ceremony at the school premises in Kufai, Billiri Local Government Area, advised them to aspire to be good leaders with high sense of responsibility, that could change the problem of leadership failure in Nigeria.
Jatau noted that the nations problems and woes are compounded by leadership failure and not because of lack of religion.
He lamented that in spite of the proliferation of Churches, mosques and worship centers almost all the crimes committed are by those who profess either Islam or Christianity.
He commended the Management of ECWA Theological College, Kufai, Billiri, for complimenting the efforts of the government in providing quality education and good moral values for the benefit of entire society.
Jatau stressed the government’s commitment to continue to provide the platform for religious practice, in view of their contributions to socioeconomic development of the state and the nation.
He informed the gathering that since 1990 he has been consistent in sponsoring students from Kulani and Putoki Local Churches Council in the College.
He promised that the administration would look into some of the appeals made by the school authority and presented an undisclosed amount as part of his contributions to the College.
Senator Bulus.K. Amos who spoke through his Personal Assistant said, he has lobbied for the construction of the Kufai road from the Gombe-Yola road, assuring that work would resume next year, and pledged the donation of one million naira as his assistance to the school.
The Former President, ECWA International, Reverend Jeremiah Gado urged the Christians to thrive to be dependent upon themselves and not rely on the government, as the government has the responsibility of all people under it including Christians Muslims and Traditional Worshippers.
The Chairman of the Board of Governors of the College, Prof. Saliba James, congratulated the graduands for the land mark achievements they have recorded in graduating from the college, wishing then success in all their future endeavours, especially to be able to surmount the numerous challenges the church is facing .
The speech which is his last, pointed out that, his six years of presiding over affairs as the Board Chairman of the college,Prof. Saliba James noted that they encountered security challenges, declining enrolments, and low staff morale , urging for the completion of the perimeter wall, and the construction of road from the main road to enhance smooth operation of the college.
The Rector of the College, Rev. Tatis Cham, said, the College started in 1938 as a Bible Training School by the Sudan Interior Mission, with her first Diploma program in 1993, while Degree programme was introduced in 2005.
He listed the aims of the school to include training of students for pastoral teaching, to prepare for variety of other christian ministries and to produce exemplary leaders in their respective Communities.
Those who spoke at the occasion include the newly elected President of the Alumni Association who called on all products of the school to show commitment to the course of the College with a view to bringing it to limelight.
He said, the new Executive has pledged to provide a clinic in the school for the students to be able to access health care whenever there is need to do so.
The Chairman of the occasion, and Provost, ECWA Theological Seminary, Kagoro, Kaduna State, Rev. Prof. Bitrus A. Sarma, congratulated the graduands and the school management for yet another graduation, wishing them success in their academic pursuits.
Others who spoke at the occasion include, Chair person, Billiri Local Government Area, Mrs Margret Bitrus, represented by her Deputy, and the Chairman of ECWA Tangale DCC etc.
Wilson Yakubu
Press Secretary/ Information Officer, Deputy Governor’s office.